Difference in ratings being marked 'Peacetime' and 'Wartime'...?

Difference in ratings being marked 'Peacetime' and 'Wartime'...?

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May 8 10 8:55 PM

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Ok, as said elsewhere, I received my C-File today. While looking through it, I noticed that one of my ratings is marked as 'Service Connected - Peacetime'. Now, this particular rating is for a condition/injury that I was Medivac'd for while serving aboard ship during Desert Shield/Storm. I was admitted to medical on 9 Jan 1991, medivac on 13 Jan 1991, was 'lost' for 5 days (long story), arrived Lundstul, Germany on 18 Jan 1991, arrived Portsmouth Naval, VA Feb 2 1991. However, the treatment records from the ship are dated as '9 Jan 1990'. Every other record is correct. Of note is that this condition is the one I was eventually discharged for. Apon finding and reading the Raters decision after discharge (Mar 1993), I noticed he used 1990 as the date and thus rated my injury as 'Peacetime'. This persists to this day.

Another injury that happened on 18 Feb 1991 is rated as 'Service Connected - Wartime'

My questions: Does it matter? If not, why then are they labled as such? If it does matter, what would I need to do to have it changed after so long?

Thanks

Jim USN 80% SC 100% IU/P&T SSDI

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." -- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC (Ret)

I dunno.. Example: Just recently I found that my Clinic still had me at the 70% rating from a while back, not 80/IU. I had that corrected and 'poof', all my requests for non-formulary meds were magically approved after being denied for 6 years and I suddenly have a crap load of appointments to look for possible causes of my chest pain/fatigue that I have also been complaining about for years to no avail. Seems that these little things have a huge affect on the care you are given.

Heres another - 'Peacetime' means I cant have it declared under 'Gulf War Syndrome' either...

Jim USN 80% SC 100% IU/P&T SSDI

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." -- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC (Ret)

Midniteoyl wrote:
Ok, as said elsewhere, I received my C-File today. While looking through it, I noticed that one of my ratings is marked as 'Service Connected - Peacetime'. Now, this particular rating is for a condition/injury that I was Medivac'd for while serving aboard ship during Desert Shield/Storm. I was admitted to medical on 9 Jan 1991, medivac on 13 Jan 1991, was 'lost' for 5 days (long story), arrived Lundstul, Germany on 18 Jan 1991, arrived Portsmouth Naval, VA Feb 2 1991. However, the treatment records from the ship are dated as '9 Jan 1990'. Every other record is correct. Of note is that this condition is the one I was eventually discharged for. Apon finding and reading the Raters decision after discharge (Mar 1993), I noticed he used 1990 as the date and thus rated my injury as 'Peacetime'. This persists to this day.

Another injury that happened on 18 Feb 1991 is rated as 'Service Connected - Wartime'

My questions: Does it matter? If not, why then are they labled as such? If it does matter, what would I need to do to have it changed after so long?

Thanks

Midniteoyl,

I think it has to do with the 9 JAN 1990 Date...because that Date did NOT fall under "Periods of War for VA Benefits Eligibility".

Actually that is nothing more than statistical data on a rating code sheet. A lot of Gulf War related disabilities were coded as peacetime (PTE on the code sheet) early on. As Survivir said, if any symptoms of the condition are shown in your records prior to August 1990 it will be coded as peacetime. It is really meaningless in the grand scheme of things and with the crush of work at VA right now I wouldn't make this an issue. It has no effect at all on any VA benefits.

For example, my driver's license still shows me having brown hair but in reality I probably haven't had brown hair for at least 15 years now. This probably has ten times more potential to have some affect on me than some statistical code like you describe, yet I've made no effort to correct my driver's license. It's no big deal.

Not just Indiana, there are several states that will give 100% Real Estate Tax exemptions to wartime Vets only. If it was me and mine said peacetime I would get it corrected. you never know down the road it might make a big difference.

JMHO

You paid a price, you deserve to be compensated. Thank you for your Service.

I was mainly worried about any differences in how I'm treated at the VA.. either through the raters or medical - ie: Gulf War Syndrome. Cruizer says no worries, so I'll try not to worry

As for the State, no worries, Survivir, I have the Indiana 'wartime' and 100% SC already. In fact, that letter that everyone complains about being sent actually (finally) solved a problem where the State rated me as Code 2 and not Code 3.

Jim USN 80% SC 100% IU/P&T SSDI

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." -- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC (Ret)

The general population's "patriotic fervor" is at a high point right now.

As it has after all conflicts, the pendulum will swing back. When it comes down to

vets benefits vs local pork, vets always lose.

True, true... Thanks

Jim USN 80% SC 100% IU/P&T SSDI

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." -- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC (Ret)

I came across this section in the U.S. Code 38. (Which for those of you that don't know "Code" is United States Law.)

This section became effective in 1994. Toward the end of this section it describes alot of the SMCs that I have read alot about previously. What is new to me are the percentages beginning at 10%. So I'm not sure if this what the VA was talking about, Midniteoyl? Also, I'm wondering if anyone that gets injured under orders of Harazard Duty Pay can now ask for from the VA and receive these additional lower monthly compensation benefits? Or am I reading this Code all wrong?

Anyone have any ideas?

Sec. 1114. Rates of wartime disability compensation

-STATUTE- For the purposes of section 1110 of this title - (a) if and while the disability is rated 10 percent the monthly compensation shall be $117; (b) if and while the disability is rated 20 percent the monthly compensation shall be $230; (c) if and while the disability is rated 30 percent the monthly compensation shall be $356; (d) if and while the disability is rated 40 percent the monthly compensation shall be $512; (e) if and while the disability is rated 50 percent the monthly compensation shall be $728; (f) if and while the disability is rated 60 percent the monthly compensation shall be $921; (g) if and while the disability is rated 70 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,161; (h) if and while the disability is rated 80 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,349; (i) if and while the disability is rated 90 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,517; (j) if and while the disability is rated as total the monthly compensation shall be $2,527; (k) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, or one foot, or one hand, or both buttocks, or blindness of one eye, having only light perception, has suffered complete organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech, or deafness of both ears, having absence of air and bone conduction, or, in the case of a woman veteran, has suffered the anatomical loss of 25 percent or more of tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination (including loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy) or has received radiation treatment of breast tissue, the rate of compensation therefor shall be $91 per month for each such loss or loss of use independent of any other compensation provided in subsections (a) through (j) or subsection (s) of this section but in no event to exceed $3,145 per month; and in the event the veteran has suffered one or more of the disabilities heretofore specified in this subsection, in addition to the requirement for any of the rates specified in subsections (l) through (n) of this section, the rate of compensation shall be increased by $91 per month for each such loss or loss of use, but in no event to exceed $4,412 per month; (l) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet, or of one hand and one foot, or is blind in both eyes, with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or is permanently bedridden or with such significant disabilities as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, the monthly compensation shall be $3,145; (m) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands, or of both legs at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prostheses in place, or of one arm and one leg at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow and knee action with prostheses in place, or has suffered blindness in both eyes having only light perception, or has suffered blindness in both eyes, rendering such veteran so significantly disabled as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, the monthly compensation shall be $3,470; (n) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both arms at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prostheses in place, has suffered the anatomical loss of both legs so near the hip as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, or has suffered the anatomical loss of one arm and one leg so near the shoulder and hip as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, or has suffered the anatomical loss of both eyes, or has suffered blindness without light perception in both eyes, the monthly compensation shall be $3,948; (o) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered disability under conditions which would entitle such veteran to two or more of the rates provided in one or more subsections (l) through (n) of this section, no condition being considered twice in the determination, or if the veteran has suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 60 percent or more disabling and the veteran has also suffered service- connected total blindness with 20/200 visual acuity or less, or if the veteran has suffered service-connected total deafness in one ear or bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 40 percent or more disabling and the veteran has also suffered service- connected blindness having only light perception or less, or if the veteran has suffered the anatomical loss of both arms so near the shoulder as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, the monthly compensation shall be $4,412; (p) in the event the veteran's service-connected disabilities exceed the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section, the Secretary may allow the next higher rate or an intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,412. In the event the veteran has suffered service-connected blindness with 5/200 visual acuity or less and (1) has also suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at no less than 30 percent disabling, the Secretary shall allow the next higher rate, or (2) has also suffered service-connected total deafness in one ear or service- connected anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand or one foot, the Secretary shall allow the next intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,412. In the event the veteran has suffered service-connected blindness, having only light perception or less, and has also suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 10 or 20 percent disabling, the Secretary shall allow the next intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,412. In the event the veteran has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use, or a combination of anatomical loss and loss of use, of three extremities, the Secretary shall allow the next higher rate or intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,412. Any intermediate rate under this subsection shall be established at the arithmetic mean, rounded down to the nearest dollar, between the two rates concerned; [(q) Repealed. Pub. L. 90-493, Sec. 4(a), Aug. 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 809.] (r) Subject to section 5503(c) of this title, if any veteran, otherwise entitled to compensation authorized under subsection (o) of this section, at the maximum rate authorized under subsection (p) of this section, or at the intermediate rate authorized between the rates authorized under subsections (n) and (o) of this section and at the rate authorized under subsection (k) of this section, is in need of regular aid and attendance, then, in addition to such compensation - (1) the veteran shall be paid a monthly aid and attendance allowance at the rate of $1,893; or (2) if the veteran, in addition to such need for regular aid and attendance, is in need of a higher level of care, such veteran shall be paid a monthly aid and attendance allowance at the rate of $2,820, in lieu of the allowance authorized in clause (1) of this subsection, if the Secretary finds that the veteran, in the absence of the provision of such care, would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care. For the purposes of clause (2) of this subsection, need for a higher level of care shall be considered to be need for personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in the veteran's home by a person who is licensed to provide such services or who provides such services under the regular supervision of a licensed health-care professional. The existence of the need for such care shall be determined by a physician employed by the Department or, in areas where no such physician is available, by a physician carrying out such function under contract or fee arrangement based on an examination by such physician. For the purposes of section 1134 of this title, such allowance shall be considered as additional compensation payable for disability. (s) If the veteran has a service-connected disability rated as total, and (1) has additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, or, (2) by reason of such veteran's service-connected disability or disabilities, is permanently housebound, then the monthly compensation shall be $2,829. For the purpose of this subsection, the requirement of "permanently housebound" will be considered to have been met when the veteran is substantially confined to such veteran's house (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises due to a service-connected disability or disabilities which it is reasonably certain will remain throughout such veteran's lifetime.

usnpaprpusher.. Thanks. However, the pay rates are the same for peacetime and wartime, so dont know why it says 'wartime'. Prolly a mistake.

ADNick... I wish. But they booted me out at 10%, like most people in the early to mid 90's, I got screwed and didnt know it. VA had me at 40% 2 weeks after discharge. I do see your point about PTSD and I am going through that now with the VA, though I must say that in my records it does say 'Gulf War Vet'. Though having 'peacetime' would be one of the things I mentioned that would get you treated differently by the VA on this issue, you are very correct on that one. - Thanks.

I'm pretty anal about things 'being correct' too, so I'm with ya there

Thanks again guys... keep the thoughts rolling in... I read and appreciate evey single one.

Jim USN 80% SC 100% IU/P&T SSDI

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." -- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC (Ret)